Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Article Tools

Our beloved Vickie Marie Wasilko passed away on June 27after a six-month bout of cancer. She was born September 15, 1951, at Cottage Hospital to Darleen and John. Her father was a Santa Barbara police officer who was injured in the line of duty. Her grandfather was one of the founding Holidays of Holiday Hardware, at 810 State Street.

Vickie grew up with her best friends: Michael, Bonnie, and me. We played in the walnut fields (now the YMCA on Hitchcock) and only came home when the streetlights came on.

Vickie started playing softball at a very young age, and we played together on the Bellwood Junior Belles. After many years of continuous playing on “A” league teams, she was admitted into the Santa Barbara Women’s Softball Hall of Fame. She felt so honored to receive this recognition. She kept playing softball until she was 50.

Her brother, Michael, taught her to surf at an early age. She loved the water and was never without an ocean, lake, or pool nearby. She was so strong and beautiful, with her bright green eyes and her dark brown tan. She taught her dogs to surf with her. Then she had her daughter, Shilo, who was always at the beach or at her mom’s softball games.

Courtesy Photo

Vickie Marie Wasilko

Vickie was an artist as a landscaper. She would take a tiny, bare patio and turn it into an oasis with fountains and palms. She stayed in the landscaping business her whole life, working at golf courses, country clubs, and private homes.

She moved to Colorado with Jennifer Moreland, who preceded her in death. Then on to Las Vegas to take care of our mom and dad as only Vickie could. She had such a love for life, she made every moment a memory. She will have to be remembered for her humor. There are so many stories about Vickie and the things she did that made people laugh so hard it hurt.

Vickie spent at least three months out of the year living with Tracy Sig and me at Timberwinds, our ranch, in Twin Oaks, California. She landscaped the 20 acres and never tired of the work she wanted to do.

She had such a love for her sister Bonnie and had to call her at least three times a day to see if there was “any news?”

She became a grandma, and her life then focused on her first grand-boy, Nicco. Vickie had her sidekick in life now; they were inseparable. He called her CooCoo, and they went everywhere together. When she was later joined by her second grand-boy, Gianni, her life was fulfilled. Nicco and Gianni are, by the way, both excellent baseball players.

Vickie cherished her youngest sister, Sonya, and Sonya’s two kids, Dezirae and Joel. Sonya was always there, day or night, if Vickie needed anything.

Vickie’s final goal was to make Michael’s party in Carpinteria after he retired from the City of Santa Barbara in May. She was there to show everyone that cancer could not keep her down; she would keep up with the best of them.

We will all miss Vickie, She brought sunshine to all of our lives that new her. Her Daughter Shilo gave so much of herself throughout her illness. To be able to have every last memory she could with her mother. They were a great team together.

Vickie was ALWAYS a ray of sunshine, no matter what the circumstances. She warmed my heart and, will be remembered as a fun-loving and giving gift from God...I know that she and Jen are finally reconnected and bringing smiles in Heaven...afterall, that's what Angels do....rest in peace, Dear Vickie....

Vicki was a very special person. She was blessed with so many wonderful gifts. The best of all was the generous spirit she always shared with others around her. Her smiles, laughter and love brought the very heart of God's love to everyone she met. She will be missed...

Just saw the sad news on FB. It's really strange because about an hour ago I saw a dragonfly. We don't often see them where we live in WA..... Wendy, if you're ever up this way let us know. We have a great guest room in the woods. xxoo SK

Our dear sweet Vic has gone to the house of the sun , Where she will always shine upon us and we will forever feel her warmth. Thank you my dear friend for all the sweet memories and all the laughter !!. I will never forget you , A big HEE-A-KEE to you my sister.,Rest in peace.

Condolences to you Wendy--and to your family. I have such fond memories of Vickie when we worked together (and played!) at FedEx. Such sad news, to be sure. I am glad her life was full and she had so much love...and gave so much back. I know she lives on brightly in you all. Much Love, Becky Richardson